In search of new partnerships for expanding the Green Thumb Aquaponic systems.
The lead question:
The main challenge we face is to explore pathways that allow the financing of a second and larger fish pond under greenhouse.
Aquaponics (growing plants and fish in one interdependent system) is an innovation that could save the farmer alot of financial and material resources. In our attempt to develop one of these systems at Greenthumb, and from the experinces we have had with fish farming in a peri-urban area over the past 3 years.
To consolidate the commercial viability of our business we need to enlarge the size of the fishponds and the volumes per unit.
Introduction
Additional information
Peri-urban farmers face one major problem: the lack of sufficient space to undertake farming profitably. This innovation will Greenthumb to demonstrate that profitable farming in these areas is possible in an interdependent system. The innovation allows the raising of a large number of fish and growing indegenous vegetables that have a high demand due to their nutrient value, all in a limited space.
The innovation sees plants grown using water from a fish pond, that is thus, nutrient-dense for plants
The plants that are grown in this system grow up to 30% faster, and vegetable have a longer life as compared to thosee outside the system.
Similarly, the fish grown in this system will not only mature faster by about 3months, but the system also saves the farmer a lot of costs in water expenses.
Inspirations / our network
Offering information on trainings and opportunities that benefit the group.
Providing the group with business training and some fish value addition equipment.
Providing opportunities for further training and learning journeys to other farmers as well the current refooture program.